FREE ESSAY ON PATRICK HENRY

PATRICK HENRY

Patrick Henry was an American orator and statesman, whose fiery patriotism was influential
in leading the colonies toward revolution. In 1763, he had become a prominent lawyer, and
two years later, he became a member of the colonial legislature of Virginia, the House of
Burgesses, where he introduced seven resolutions against the Stamp Act. He concluded his
speech with: "Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the
Third-may profit by their example."ii In answer to the cries of treason from conservative
members, Henry replied, "If this be treason, make the most of it."i Five of his
resolutions were carried by a small majority, and all seven were printed in the colonial
newspapers as the Virginia Resolves. Reelected to the House of Burgesses in 1769, Henry
sided with the radical faction showing strong nationalist tendencies.
When the House of Burgesses was dissolved in 1774, Henry became a member of the
revolutionary convention of Virginia. Speaking before the convention in 1775, he urged
the adoption of a resolution to establish a state of defense in Virginia, he used a
speech that is famous for these words. "I know not what course others may take, but as
for me, give me liberty or give me death!"ii Henry's leadership did not end once the
revolution was won. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the nation was in working toward
the adoption of the Bill of Rights. While desiring a more effective government, he was
adamant in demanding protection of basic civil liberties. 
Henry was subsequently made chairman of a committee to prepare a defense plan for
Virginia during the American Revolution. He was a delegate to the First and Second
Continental Congresses and helped draft the Virginia Constitution from (1774-1776). He
also served as governor of the state from (1776-79, 1784-86). During his first
gubernatorial term, he sent the American soldier and frontiersman George Rogers Clark on
a military expedition to the Northwest. 
While living at Red Hill, he was among the 100 wealthiest landowners in Virginia. Henry
first purchased 700 acres at Red Hill; additional acquisitions brought the total acreage
of the plantation to 2,920. Tobacco was the chief crop at Red Hill, and corn and wheat
were grown. He also had on hand 66 plantation slaves.
In 1788, as a delegate to the Virginia convention for the ratification of the U.S.
Constitution, Henry opposed the document on the ground that it threatened the rights of
states and individuals. Largely through his efforts, the provisions known as the Bill of
Rights were adopted as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Henry was offered
many governmental posts, but declined them, continuing his law practice. In 1799, he was
elected to the Virginia legislature, but he died on June 6 of that year before taking his
seat. i